Online Dental Lab Technician Diploma Programs

<p>Admission into a dental laboratory technology program typically requires you to have a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, you may have to meet college level reading, writing and math requirements, which you may be able to bypass with placement tests.Some programs also require applicants to pass a wax carving test to demonstrate manual dexterity before being admitted into the program. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>High school diploma or GED, college level reading and math, tests to demonstrate dexterity</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td>No fully online program; some distance learning classes with on-campus lab requirements available</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Dental anatomy, orthodontics, dental materials and ceramics, crown and bridge techniques</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 9% growth (<i>for all dental laboratory technicians</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Annual Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $42,110 (<i>for all dental laboratory technicians</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoOnlineProgramsCompare">How Do Online Programs Compare?</h3> <p>There are no fully online programs available due to the nature of the coursework and the hands-on learning required to become a proficient technician. Most diplomas and certificates are offered through campus-based programs and must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. This type of program also typically requires clinical experience to fill program requirements. In the rare case where a distance learning program is offered, you will still have to attend on-campus labs and take proctored exams. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3> <p>Courses in a dental laboratory technician diploma or certificate program teach you how to perform different laboratory procedures. You work with different materials to create dental products, from dentures to crown moldings. Some of the typical courses you can expect to find in this type of program include: </p> <ul><li>Dental materials </li><li>Dental anatomy </li><li>Orthodontics </li><li>Dental ceramics </li><li>Crown and bridge techniques </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDiploma">What Can I Do with My Diploma?</h3> <p>Dental laboratory technicians may find jobs working in places from private practices to hospitals. Jobs for dental laboratory technicians and related occupations is expected to see a faster than average growth rate of 9% between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). As of May 2020, the median annual salary for these occupations was $42,110, also according to the BLS. </p> <p>Voluntary certification, which is offered through the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology, can also be completed in different areas, such as ceramics or orthodontic appliances.</p>